Large, Unpermitted Party Involving NCCU Students Causes Road Closures in Durham

DURHAM, NC — A large gathering involving North Carolina Central University (NCCU) students led to multiple road closures in Durham on Wednesday evening (Oct. 23), as police responded to an unpermitted party.

The Durham Police Department reported that officers were called to Merrick-Moore Park along North Hoover Road after receiving reports of a sizable gathering involving NCCU students. “There were several hundred cars parked up and down the road,” said a spokesperson for the police.

Starting around 4:30 p.m., police worked to disperse the crowd, citing safety concerns due to the high volume of vehicles and pedestrians, which created dangerous conditions on the surrounding roads. Traffic was blocked on several key routes, including Cheek Road at Interstate 885, Cheek Road at North Hoover Road, Cheek Road at Muldee Street, and Muldee Street at North Hoover Road.

The police determined that the gathering was unpermitted, which contributed to the decision to disperse attendees. State Highway Patrol, Durham Parks and Recreation staff, and NCCU Police were also on hand to help manage the situation.

According to an alert from the North Carolina Department of Transportation, the road closures remained in effect from approximately 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The site of the gathering was about five miles from NCCU’s campus, which is currently in the midst of homecoming celebrations.

Officials have not released further details on any potential citations or disciplinary actions that may result from the incident.